Method for molding three-dimensional foam products using a continuous forming apparatus

ABSTRACT

A continuous forming apparatus for molding foam material into foam products that includes a first endless belt and a second endless belt that cooperates with the first endless belt to mold the foam material. The continuous forming apparatus may also include a first plurality of cleats and a second plurality of cleats opposed to the first plurality of cleats that support the first endless belt and the second endless belt respectively. The first plurality of cleats may include a three-dimensional abutment surface that provides transverse and lateral support to the first endless belt. Additionally, the continuous forming apparatus may include a first frame disposed to support the first plurality of cleats, a second frame disposed to support the second plurality of cleats, and a drive mechanism for imparting motion to the first endless belt, the second endless belt, the first plurality of cleats, and the second plurality of cleats.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/165,071, filed Jun. 23, 2005, which is now U.S. Pat. No. 7,316,559, which claims priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/582,420, filed Jun. 24, 2004. The present application incorporates both documents herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to continuous forming apparatus and methods for forming foam materials into three-dimensional shapes. Generally, the production of three-dimensional products made from a foam material requires a mold that can both define the three-dimensional shape and contain any pressure exerted by the foam material until the product is rigid enough to be removed from the mold.

To accomplish these requirements, currently available production apparatus for continuous production include endless flexible mold belts and chain-mounted rigid mold sections. Endless flexible mold belts that are used to form 3-D products on a continuous basis may be done by arranging one or more flat belts edge to edge so as to form a cavity, or by using two thicker belts, arranged face to face, with a cross sectional shape extending into one or both of the belt faces. As used herein, the term “flat” means relatively flat so that a flat surface may be rough and include any type of surface finish.

The belts may be incorporated into a motorized forming apparatus similar to a conveyor belt machine. The belts are typically fabric-reinforced, and may be faced with an elastomeric, contoured face so as to allow the molding of deeper features and to provide the mold belt with sufficient flexibility to bend around the pulleys of the motorized forming apparatus. An extruder or other delivery system may be used to deliver material into one end of a forming apparatus where it is held and conveyed within a mold belt cavity until the material is sufficiently cured or cooled to maintain its shape after being expelled from the apparatus. These currently available belt-driven continuous forming apparatus are typically used to produce small cross sectional area products.

The production of parts with larger cross sections or deeper surface detail typically requires the use of a machine that utilizes chain-mounted rigid mold sections. For example, foam parts with surface detail like imitation wood beams are sometimes produced on a continuous basis using these continuous forming apparatus. However, these machines are extremely expensive and adjacent mold sections must fit together precisely to prevent material from oozing and binding between mold sections.

Large foam buns are continuously cast in square forming machines that are comprised of table-top conveyors using thin flat plates attached to chains. Multiple belts of flat plates are combined to make a continuous square cavity to support and mold the foam product. A wax paper or plastic film is used to prevent the foaming material from sticking to and leaking between the plates. The buns are then slit to make mattresses and the like.

While mold belts may define the desired three-dimensional product shape, they must be driven in the direction of production, and supported so as to contain the pressure of the foaming material without deforming. Typically, these belts are driven by a motorized pulley and supported by either slider-beds or by support rollers in much the same way as a conventional conveyor belt. Slider-bed supported systems must overcome the pressure-induced friction between the back of the belt and the slider-bed. The wider the product and longer the forming apparatus, the greater the friction that the drive mechanism must overcome, which limits the practical size of a slider-bed supported forming apparatus for foam materials.

Roller-supported mold belts minimize belt-to-bed friction, but the belts are unsupported in the spans' between adjacent rollers, allowing the belt to deflect outward. The roller-bed supported belts virtually eliminate the friction associated with slider-beds, but the foaming pressure on the belt is not supported between individual rollers allowing the belts to intermittently gap open as they travel.

The friction problem of the slider-bed may be mitigated by using air film lubrication. However, the foaming pressure is not constant along the length of the machine, especially for thermoset foams. Thus, air film lubrication requires the regulation of air pressure to discrete pressure zones along the machine's length. Additionally, air film lubrication is limited to smaller parts with low foaming pressures in order to avoid using excessively high-pressure air.

Accordingly, a need exists for continuous forming apparatus that fully support high foaming pressures while the foam material cools and cures. Furthermore, a need exists for continuous forming apparatus that experiences minimal frictional forces so that the continuous forming apparatus is able to mold wider foam products without sacrificing the dimensional accuracy, surface detail, and desired cross section of the foam product.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The apparatus of the present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not been fully solved by currently available continuous forming apparatus. Thus, the present invention provides a continuous forming apparatus for molding foaming material into foam products.

In accordance with the invention as embodied and broadly described herein in the preferred embodiment, a continuous forming apparatus is provided. According to one embodiment, the continuous forming apparatus includes a first endless belt for molding the foam material, a first plurality of cleats, and a second plurality of cleats opposed to the first plurality of cleats.

The first endless belt may impart surface features or texture to the product surface, and may also incorporate non-stick films or compounds as mold release agents. The first endless belt may be rolled or folded so as to define a mold cavity. The mold belt cavity may impart any 3-dimensional shape, profile, texture, or features into the foam product.

The first plurality of cleats may have a three-dimensional abutment surface to provide transverse and lateral support to the first endless belt. The first plurality of cleats may also be shaped to provide transverse and lateral support to the foam material as it cures and is molded. The second plurality of cleats may have a flat abutment surface or a three-dimensional abutment surface depending on the size and complexity of the foam part to be molded.

The continuous forming apparatus may also include a drive mechanism for imparting motion to the first endless belt, the first plurality of cleats, and the second plurality of cleats. The drive mechanism may be connected to the first endless belt, the first plurality of cleats, and the second plurality of cleats so that they move at the same speed. By moving at the same speed, the first plurality of cleats and the second plurality of cleats may grip the first endless belt to provide constant support to the first endless belt as a molded foam product is cured and to reduce the friction resulting from moving the first endless belt.

The continuous forming apparatus may comprise a first attachment chain connecting the first plurality of cleats together and a second attachment chain connecting the second plurality of cleats together. The attachment chains permit the plurality of cleats to form an endless loop that provides constant support to the first endless belt as a molded foam product is cured. Furthermore, the attachment chains are used to space each cleat of each plurality of cleats. The attachment chains keep each cleat close to the adjacent cleats to support the endless belts without overlapping or binding with the adjacent cleats. By keeping each cleat close to the adjacent cleats, the unsupported sections of the endless belts are kept to a minimum.

The continuous forming apparatus may also include a second endless belt that cooperates with the first endless belt to mold the foam material. The second endless belt may be supported by the second plurality of cleats. In some configurations, the second plurality of cleats may include a three-dimensional abutment surface that grips the second endless belt and provides transverse and lateral support to the second endless belt. Together, the first endless belt and the second endless belt may define a mold cavity for forming a molded foam product. The plurality of cleats supports the first endless belt and the second endless belt against the high pressures that may be experienced as the foam material is molded within the continuous forming apparatus.

The continuous forming apparatus may also include a third endless belt and a fourth endless belt that cooperate with the first endless belt and the second endless belt to mold the foam material. The continuous forming apparatus may further comprise a third plurality of cleats and a fourth plurality of cleats disposed generally orthogonal to the first plurality of cleats and the second plurality of cleats. The third endless belt may be supported by the third plurality of cleats and the fourth endless belt may be supported by the fourth plurality of cleats.

In configurations where the third endless belt and the fourth endless belt are disposed orthogonally to the first endless belt and the second endless belt, the continuous forming apparatus may be used to efficiently produce a range of simulated lumber products in sizes such as 2.times.2, 2.times.4, 2.times.6, 2.times.8, 2.times.10, and 2.times.12, by adjusting the distance between the third endless belt and the fourth endless belt.

The continuous forming apparatus may have a third attachment chain connecting the third plurality of cleats together and a fourth attachment chain connecting the fourth plurality of cleats together. The third and fourth pluralities of cleats help to control the distance between the third endless belt and the fourth endless belt over the length of the continuous forming apparatus.

The first endless belt may include an insert support feature for positioning inserts within the mold cavity prior to adding foam material to the mold cavity. Furthermore, the first endless belt may comprise a mold cavity for molding a discrete foam part. By forming a mold cavity shaped to mold a discrete foam part, discrete foam parts may be made inexpensively on a continuous basis. Specifically, the first endless belt comprising a plurality of discrete mold cavities may produce discrete foam parts less expensively than using several discrete molds.

The first endless belt may also be supported by the first plurality of cleats to form a curved cross sectional area for molding foam material. In some configurations, the first endless belt may also be supported by the second plurality of cleats to form a circular cross sectional area for molding foam material into a cylindrical product.

The continuous forming apparatus may also comprise a first frame disposed to support the first plurality of cleats and a second frame disposed to support the second plurality of cleats. The frames provide support for the cleats to support the first and second endless belts and permit the continuous forming apparatus to be used with foam materials that exert relatively high pressures against the mold such as thermoset plastics that are cured in an exothermic reaction and coupled with a foaming agent.

The frames also permit a transverse gap to be disposed between the first plurality of cleats and the second plurality of cleats when the first plurality of cleats supports the first endless belt for molding foam material. The gap is closed by one or more of the endless belts to prevent the foaming material from exiting the mold cavity. Additionally, leaving a small gap between the first plurality of cleats and the second plurality of cleats may help to prevent the first plurality of cleats from binding with the second plurality of cleats. The gap may range from about an inch to almost abutting but preferably is about 0.1 inches. Of course, the first plurality of cleats may abut the second plurality of cleats when the first plurality of cleats supports the first endless belt for molding foam material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the manner in which the above-recited and other features and advantages of the invention are obtained will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an elevated side view of a continuous forming apparatus within the scope of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the continuous forming apparatus of FIG. 1 along line 2-2;

FIG. 3 is an alternative exploded cross sectional view of a cleat of a first plurality of cleats, a cleat of a second plurality of cleats, a first endless belt, and a second endless belt that may be used with the continuous forming apparatus of FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2;

FIG. 4 is a view of the first endless mold belt surface of FIG. 3 along line 4-4 as supported by a first plurality of cleats;

FIG. 5 is an elevated side view of another continuous forming apparatus within the scope of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the continuous forming apparatus of FIG. 5 along line 6-6;

FIG. 7 is an elevated side view of an alternative continuous forming apparatus according to the invention;

FIG. 8 is a top view of the continuous forming apparatus of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of the continuous forming apparatus of FIG. 7 along line 9-9;

FIG. 10 is an alternative cross sectional view of a cleat of a first plurality of cleats, a cleat of a second plurality of cleats, a first endless belt, a second endless belt, a third endless belt, and a fourth endless belt that may be used with the continuous forming apparatus of FIG. 7 taken along line 9-9;

FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of the first endless mold belt surface, a cleat of a first plurality of cleats, a second endless belt, and a third endless belt of FIG. 10 along line 11-11;

FIG. 12 is an elevated side view of an alternative continuous forming apparatus according to the invention;

FIG. 13 is a top view of the continuous forming apparatus of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view of the continuous forming apparatus of FIG. 12 along line 14-14;

FIG. 15 is an elevated side view of another continuous forming apparatus according to the invention;

FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view of the mold belt of FIG. 15 along line 16-16;

FIG. 17 is a top view of the cross sectional view of FIG. 16 along line 17-17; and

FIG. 18 is an exploded view of a cleat according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The presently preferred embodiments of the present invention will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. It will be readily understood that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the continuous forming apparatus of the present invention, as represented in FIGS. 1 through 18, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is merely representative of presently preferred embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1 is an elevated side view of a continuous forming apparatus 100 according to the invention. The continuous forming apparatus 100 receives foaming material from a feeder machine 102 in an input end 104, such as an extrusion machine or other feeding machine known in the art, for delivering foaming materials to the continuous forming apparatus 100 by pouring, dropping, extruding, spreading, or spraying foaming material onto or into the continuous forming apparatus 100. Once the foaming material cures and moves through the molding section 105, it exits the continuous forming apparatus 100 as a foam product from the output end 106 of the continuous forming apparatus 100.

Foaming materials may include but are not limited to thermoplastic and thermoset plastic compounds, highly-filled plastic compounds, composite materials, elastomers, ceramic materials, and cementitious materials that may be mixed with a foaming agent known in the art.

The continuous forming apparatus 100 may include a support structure 108 that supports and positions the components of the continuous forming apparatus 100 and a drive mechanism 110 for imparting motion to various components of the continuous forming apparatus 100. The drive mechanism 110 may generally include a motor and gears for providing the various components of the continuous forming apparatus 100 with the correct force and speed needed for the efficient operation of the continuous forming apparatus 100.

As shown, the continuous forming apparatus 100 has a longitudinal direction 112 and a transverse direction 114.

The continuous forming apparatus 100 may also include a first endless belt 120 and a second endless belt 122 that is opposed to the first endless belt 120. Together, the first endless belt 120 and the second endless belt 122 define a mold cavity for defining the outside dimensions of a foam product. In other words, the first endless belt 120 and the second endless belt 122 contain and provide the foaming material with a final shape as it moves from the input end 104 to the output end 106 of the continuous forming apparatus 100. Of course, the first endless belt 120 and the second endless belt 122 may be covered with mold release to prevent the foaming material from sticking to the endless belts 120, 122.

The continuous forming apparatus 100 may also include a first plurality of cleats 124 and a second plurality of cleats 126 opposed to the first plurality of cleats 124. The first plurality of cleats 124 and the second plurality of cleats 126 engage and support the first endless belt 120 and the second endless belt 122 respectively in molding the foaming material into a foam product. The first plurality of cleats 124 and the second plurality of cleats 126 also prevent the first endless belt 120 and the second endless belt 122 from deforming from the pressure exerted by the foaming material within the mold cavity.

The first plurality of cleats 124, the second plurality of cleats 126, the first endless belt 120, and the second endless belt 122 may be driven or pulled by the drive mechanism 110 at the same speed or at different speeds to move foaming material from the input end 104 to the output end 106 of the continuous forming apparatus 100. Alternatively, the first endless belt 120 and the second endless belt 122 may be un-powered or idle and driven by the first plurality of cleats 124 and the second plurality of cleats 126. Of course, moving the first plurality of cleats 124, the second plurality of cleats 126, the first endless belt 120, and the second endless belt 122 at the same speed helps to prevent damage to the first endless belt 120 and the second endless belt 122 or the foam product held by the first endless belt 120 and the second endless belt 122. By having the pluralities of cleats 124, 126, move with the endless belts 120, 122, friction is reduced in the continuous forming apparatus 100 so that the continuous forming apparatus 100 may use longer and wider endless belts than previously possible.

The first plurality of cleats 124 may be attached together by a first attachment chain 128 to form an endless loop so that the first plurality of cleats 124 may be positioned to continuously provide support to the first endless belt 120 as it molds foaming material. Similarly, the second plurality of cleats 126 may be attached together by a second attachment chain 130 to form an endless loop so that the second plurality of cleats 126 may be positioned to continuously provide support to the second endless belt 122 as it molds foaming material.

The first attachment chain 128 and the second attachment chain 130 hold each cleat of the first plurality of cleats 124 and the second plurality of cleats 126, respectively, spaced at a desired distance to provide support to the first endless belt 120 and the second endless belt 122 without binding up against each other. When the first plurality of cleats 124 and the second plurality of cleats 126 engage the first endless belt 120 and the second endless belt 122, the first attachment chain 128 and the second attachment chain 130 space the cleats of the first plurality of cleats 124 and the second plurality of cleats 126 so that the longitudinal gap between each cleat is kept to a minimum to provide a relatively continuous support surface. Generally, the longitudinal gap may be about 0.1 inches, though the longitudinal gap may be smaller or larger than this depending on the foaming pressures of the foaming material and the strength of the first endless belt 120 and the second endless belt 122 to span the longitudinal gap without deformation or opening of the mold cavity.

The continuous forming apparatus 100 may include a first frame 132 and a second frame 134 that may be attached to the support structure 108. The first frame 132 and the second frame 134 may include rigid slide rails or similar features that engage the first plurality of cleats 124 and the second plurality of cleats 126. The first frame 132 and the second frame 134 help to position the first plurality of cleats 124 and the second plurality of cleats 126 to support and engage the first endless belt 120 and the second endless belt 122. Additionally, the first frame 132 and the second frame 134 help to close the first plurality of cleats 124 with the second plurality of cleats 126 about the first endless belt 120 and the second endless belt 122.

More specifically, compressive loads from the foaming material may press the first endless belt 120 and the second endless belt 122 into the first plurality of cleats 124 and the second plurality of cleats 126, respectively. The normal loads that would tend to separate the opposing first plurality of cleats 124 and the second plurality of cleats 126 are reacted through the first attachment chain 128 and the second attachment chain 130 to the first frame 132 and the second frame 134. To minimize friction, the first attachment chain 128 and the second attachment chain 130 may include rolling elements that contact the first frame 132 and the second frame 134.

The first attachment chain 128 and the second attachment chain 130 also provide a structure strong enough to permit the drive mechanism 110 to move the first plurality of cleats 124, the second plurality of cleats 126, the first endless belt 120, and the second endless belt 122 from the input end 104 to the output end 106 of the continuous forming machine 100. In some configurations, positive drive engagement is provided by the use of sprockets in the drive mechanism 110 that engage and move the chain links.

A speed-controlled motor may be mechanically linked to a sprocket in the drive mechanism 110 to drive the continuous forming apparatus 100. Furthermore, a single motor may be mechanically linked to one or more of the first plurality of cleats 124, the second plurality of cleats 126, the first endless belt 120, and the second endless belt 122. Alternatively, the drive mechanism 110 may include separate motors that are electronically linked that permit the motors to operate at a similar speed to drive two or more of the first plurality of cleats 124, the second plurality of cleats 126, the first endless belt 120, and the second endless belt 122.

The continuous forming apparatus 100 may further include pulleys or sprockets 136 for positioning the first plurality of cleats 124, the second plurality of cleats 126, the first endless belt 120, and the second endless belt 122 relative to each other and the first frame 132 and the second frame 134. Additionally, once a cleat of the plurality of cleats 124, 126 or a portion of one of the endless belts 120, 122 reach the output end 106 of the continuous forming apparatus 100, the cleat or portion rounds a respective pulley or sprocket 136 and returns outside of the molding section 105 to the input end 104 of the continuous forming apparatus 100. At the input end 104 of the continuous forming apparatus 100 new forming material is picked up by the first endless belt 120 and the second endless belt 122, the first plurality of cleats 124 and the second plurality of cleats 126 engage and support the first endless belt 120 and the second endless belt 122, and the foaming material is transported through the molding section 105.

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the continuous forming apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 along line 2-2. In conjunction with FIG. 1, the continuous forming apparatus 100 has a transverse direction 114 and a lateral direction 138.

As shown, the first endless belt 120 and the second endless belt 122 cooperate to form a mold cavity 140, in which foaming material 142 is being molded to have a generally rectangular profile. The first endless belt 120 and the second endless belt 122 may be mirrors of each other so that the first endless belt 120 and the second endless belt 122 each define half of the mold cavity 140.

The first endless belt 120 and the second endless belt 122 may each have a three dimensional molding surface 144 that may be made of an elastomeric material 146 and may comprise fiber reinforcement 148. The elastomeric material 146 is flexible to permit the first endless belt 120 and the second endless belt 122 to bend around the pulleys 136 of FIG. 1. The elastomeric material 146 may include a filler material to improve its thermal conductivity.

The first endless belt 120 and the second endless belt 122 may include sidewalls 150. As the first endless belt 120 and the second endless belt 122 are brought together, the sidewalls 150 abut each other to seal the mold cavity 140 closed and prevent the foaming material 142 from leaking from the mold cavity 140.

The fiber reinforcement 148 provides the first endless belt 120 and the second endless belt 122 with enough longitudinal strength to resist breakage due to the stresses imparted during the molding process, moving over the pulleys, and engaging the first plurality of cleats 124 and the second plurality of cleats 126. The fibers may include cotton, aramid, polyester, nylon, carbon fiber, and may include metal threads. Furthermore, the fibers may provide other benefits to the first endless belt 120 and the second endless belt 122 such as improved thermal conductivity.

Improving the thermal conductivity of the first endless belt 120 and the second endless belt 122 may improve its useful life by preventing thermal degradation of the elastomeric material 146 over time. Additionally, cooling the first endless belt 120 and the second endless belt 122 as they return to the input end 104 shown in FIG. 1 may also improve the useful life of the first endless belt 120 and the second endless belt 122.

In some applications of the invention, the first endless belt 120 and the second endless belt 122 may be heated to improve the molding of some foaming materials 142. For example, a thermoset foaming material 142 may cure faster with heat so that by heating the first endless belt 120 and the second endless belt 122 a faster production rate may be achieved. Additionally, thermoplastic foaming material 142 may cool too quickly upon contacting the first endless belt 120 and the second endless belt 122, which may result in an undesirable surface finish such as sharkskin. Heating of the first endless belt 120 and the second endless belt 122 may be provided by warm air or by radiant heat sources known in the art, such as heat lamps.

To help prevent the first endless belt 120 and the second endless belt 122 from deforming under the pressure exerted by the foaming material 142 as they move through the molding section 105, the first plurality of cleats 124 and the second plurality of cleats 126 each respectively engage and support the first endless belt 120 and the second endless belt 122. The first plurality of cleats 124 and the second plurality of cleats 126 may each include a three dimensional abutment surface 152. As the first endless belt 120 and the second endless belt 122 engage the first plurality of cleats 124 and the second plurality of cleats 126, the first endless belt 120 and the second endless belt 122 are pressed into and fully supported by the three dimensional abutment surfaces 152.

A transverse gap 154 may exist between the first plurality of cleats 124 and the second plurality of cleats 126 to prevent the first plurality of cleats 124 and the second plurality of cleats 126 from binding together and to assure that the first endless belt 120 and the second endless belt 122 are closed tightly together. The gap 154 may be about 0.1 inches, but may be larger or smaller depending on the adjustments to the continuous forming apparatus 100.

The first plurality of cleats 124 and the second plurality of cleats 126 may be made of a rigid material such as metal, rubber, ceramic, plastic, or a composite material. Each cleat of the first plurality of cleats 124 and the second plurality of cleats 126 may be made by machining, casting, extrusion, molding, or any other material forming process known in the art.

Each cleat of the first plurality of cleats 124 may be connected together by the first attachment chain 128. Additionally, each cleat of the second plurality of cleats 126 may be connected together by the second attachment chain 130.

The first attachment chain 128 and second attachment chain 130 may include support rollers 156 that engage rails 158 of the first frame 132 and the second frame 134. The rollers 156 and the rails 158 minimize the friction between the moving first plurality of cleats 124 and the moving second plurality of cleats 126 and the stationary first frame 132 and second frame 134. The rails 158 also align the first plurality of cleats 124 with the second plurality of cleats 126. Furthermore, the rails 158 prevent lateral motion of the first plurality of cleats 124 and the second plurality of cleats 126, which may damage a foam product or inadvertently open the mold cavity 140.

FIG. 2 also shows the first plurality of cleats 124, the second plurality of cleats 126, the first endless belt 120, and the second endless belt 122 returning to the input end 104 of the continuous forming machine and positioned outside of the molding section 105.

Referring to FIG. 3, an exploded cross sectional view of FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2 illustrates an alternative first endless belt 170, a second endless belt 172, and a first plurality of cleats 174, a second plurality of cleats 176 that may be used with the continuous forming apparatus 100. As shown, the first endless belt 170 includes a three dimensional molding surface 178 that may include curves and may be used to produce crown molding or other foam product. The first endless belt 170 also includes sidewalls 150 for engaging and sealing against the second endless belt 172.

The first endless belt 170 and the second endless belt 172 may be made of an elastomeric material 146 that permits the first endless belt 170 and the second endless belt 172 to round the pulleys 136 of FIG. 1 without cracking and breaking. The first endless belt 170 and the second endless belt 172 may also includes fiber reinforcement 148 for providing the longitudinal strength that permits the first endless belt 170 and the second endless belt 172 to experience the longitudinal stresses of being pulled around the continuous forming apparatus 100.

The second endless belt 172 may include a flat molding surface 180 that closes a mold cavity 182 formed by the first endless belt 170. In this configuration, the mold features are mostly determined by the first endless belt 170 which may provide some cost savings to manufacturers by requiring a change of only the first endless belt 170 to change the profile of the mold cavity 182.

The first plurality of cleats 174 may include a three-dimensional abutment surface 184 that engages and supports the first endless belt 170 against the second endless belt 172. The second plurality of cleats 176 may include a flat abutment surface 186 that engages and supports the second endless belt 172 against the first endless belt 170.

FIG. 4 is a top view of FIG. 3 along line 4-4 that illustrates the first endless belt 170 and the first plurality of cleats 174. As shown, the first plurality of cleats 174 has engaged and is supporting the first endless belt 170.

The cleats of the first plurality of cleats 174 may be spaced from each other by a longitudinal gap 190. The longitudinal gap 190 may range from about an inch or more to almost abutting an adjacent cleat, but may preferably be about 0.1 inches which may be large enough to prevent the first plurality of cleats 174 from binding together as they move over the continuous forming apparatus. Additionally, the gap 190 may be small enough that the first endless belt 170 does not deform in the gap 190 sufficiently to significantly affect the profile of the mold cavity 182.

As shown, the first endless belt 170 includes discrete mold cavities 182 that are separated by a mold wall 192 of the first endless belt 170. The mold wall 192 separates the discrete mold cavities 182 and may assist in removing a foam product from a mold cavity 192.

FIG. 5 is an elevated side view of another continuous forming apparatus 200 according to the invention. As shown, the continuous forming apparatus 200 is similar to the continuous forming apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 but includes a single endless belt 202 that is engaged and supported by a first plurality of cleats 204 and a second plurality of cleats 206. Furthermore, the continuous forming apparatus 200 may also include positioning rollers 208 that help form the endless belt 202 so that it may engage and be supported by both the first plurality of cleats 204 and a second plurality of cleats 206.

A foam product 207 is also shown exiting the output end 106 of the continuous forming apparatus 200.

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the continuous forming apparatus 200 of FIG. 5 along line 6-6 that further illustrates how the endless belt 202 engages and may be supported by both the first plurality of cleats 204 and the second plurality of cleats 206. Specifically, the endless belt 202 has a flat molding surface 208 and a length 210 that is sufficient to permit the endless belt 202 to be rolled into a circular configuration where a first side edge 212 of the endless belt 202 contacts and seals against a second side edge 214 of the endless belt 202. Of course, other cross sectional shapes besides circles may be formed, such as ovals and polygons.

When the endless belt 202 engages the first plurality of cleats 204 and the second plurality of cleats 206, the first side edge 212 and the second side edge 214 are positioned away from the transverse gap 154 and adjacent to one of the curved three dimensional abutment surfaces 216 of the first plurality of cleats 204 and the second plurality of cleats 206. The curved three dimensional abutment surfaces 216 provide support to the endless belt 202 in both lateral direction 138 and the transverse direction 114. Similarly, the endless belt 202 supports a foaming material 218 in both lateral direction 138 and the transverse direction 114.

Once the foaming material 218 is molded into the foam product 207 shown in FIG. 5, the endless belt 202 may be flattened and returned to the input end 104 of the continuous forming apparatus 200 of FIG. 5 where it is re-rolled and reengages the first plurality of cleats 204 and the second plurality of cleats 206.

FIG. 7 is an elevated side view and FIG. 8 is a top view of an alternative continuous forming apparatus 250 according to the invention. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the continuous forming apparatus 250 is similar to the continuous forming apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 and includes a first endless belt 252, a second endless belt 254, a first plurality of cleats 256, and a second plurality of cleats 258.

However, the continuous forming apparatus 250 may also include a third endless belt 260 and a fourth endless belt 262 that is opposed to the third endless belt 260. The third endless belt 260 and the fourth endless belt 262 may be disposed substantially orthogonal to the first endless belt 252 and a second endless belt 254.

Additionally, the continuous forming apparatus 250 may also include a mold release application device 264. The mold release application device 264 may mist, spray, brush, or in any other manner known in the art apply a mold release agent to the first endless belt 252, the second endless belt 254, the third endless belt 260, and the fourth endless belt 262.

Furthermore, the continuous forming apparatus 250 may include a temperature control system 266. The temperature control system 266 may be used to preheat the first endless belt 252, the second endless belt 254, the third endless belt 260, and the fourth endless belt 262 in preparation for molding foaming material with the continuous forming apparatus 250. The temperature control system 266 may also be used to control the temperature of the first endless belt 252, the second endless belt 254, the third endless belt 260, and the fourth endless belt 262 while the continuous forming apparatus 250 is in operation.

The temperature control system 266 may include heated air, heat lamps, or other sources of radiant energy for heating the first endless belt 252, the second endless belt 254, the third endless belt 260, and the fourth endless belt 262. Additionally, the temperature control system 266 may include fans, air conditioners, and evaporative coolers for providing cool air flow to cool the first endless belt 252, the second endless belt 254, the third endless belt 260, and the fourth endless belt 262. The temperature control system 266 may also include nozzles for spraying or misting a coolant, such as water, onto the first endless belt 252, the second endless belt 254, the third endless belt 260, and the fourth endless belt 262.

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of the continuous forming apparatus 250 of FIG. 7 along line 9-9. As shown, the first endless belt 252, the second endless belt 254, the third endless belt 260, and the fourth endless belt 262 cooperate to define a mold cavity 270 for molding the foaming material 272. The first endless belt 252, the second endless belt 254, the third endless belt 260, and the fourth endless belt 262 include flat molding surfaces 274 used to support the foaming material 272 on one side.

By using four endless belts 252, 254, 260, and 262, the thickness of the endless belts 252, 254, 260, and 262 is kept to a minimum which reduces the stress that the endless belts 252, 254, 260, and 262 undergo as they wrap around the pulleys of the continuous forming apparatus 250. By reducing the stresses on the endless belts 252, 254, 260, and 262, the useful life of the endless belts 252, 254, 260, and 262 may be extended. Additionally, the endless belts 252, 254, 260, and 262 may be made of other materials than elastomers, such as metals, polymers, composites, and fabrics. Furthermore, by using four endless belts 252, 254, 260, and 262, larger profiles of the mold cavity 270 are possible than using two endless belts incorporating sidewalls.

The first plurality of cleats 256 and the second plurality of cleats 258 each include a three dimensional abutment surface 278 for abutting and supporting the first endless belt 252, the second endless belt 254, the third endless belt 260, and the fourth endless belt 262. As shown, the first plurality of cleats 256 and the second plurality of cleats 258 mirror and oppose each other in supporting the mold cavity 270. Because the first plurality of cleats 256 and the second plurality of cleats 258 include a three dimensional abutment surface 278, the first plurality of cleats 256 and the second plurality of cleats 258 are able to provide support in the lateral 138 and transverse 114 directions.

FIG. 10 is an alternative cross sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 7 illustrating a first plurality of cleats 280, a second plurality of cleats 282, a first endless belt 284, a second endless belt 286, a third endless belt 288, and a fourth endless belt 290 that may be used with the continuous forming apparatus 250. As shown, the first endless belt 284, the second endless belt 286, the third endless belt 288, and the fourth endless belt 290 may include flat molding surfaces 292. The first endless belt 284 and the second endless belt 286 may also include separation features 294 for facilitating the separation of a foam product into discrete foam products.

Additionally, the first plurality of cleats 280 and a second plurality of cleats 282 include three dimensional abutment surfaces 296. The three dimensional abutment surfaces 296 permit the first plurality of cleats 280 to contact and support the first endless belt 284, the third endless belt 288, and the fourth endless belt 290, while the second plurality of cleats 282 contacts and supports the second endless belt 286 in the lateral 138 and transverse 114 directions.

In this configuration, the first plurality of cleats 280 defines a majority of the mold cavity 270. Thus, only the first plurality of cleats 280 may need to be changed in order to change the profile of the mold cavity 270.

FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of FIG. 10 along line 11-11 and illustrates the positioning of the separation features 294 on the first endless belt 284. The separation features 294 form holes in a foam product which weakens the foam product at the location of the separation features 294, permitting the foam product to be selectively broken at the separation features 294.

FIG. 12 is an elevated side view of an alternative continuous forming apparatus 300 according to the invention. As shown, the continuous forming apparatus 300 is similar to the continuous forming apparatus 250 of FIGS. 7 and 8 and includes a first endless belt 302, a second endless belt 304, a third endless belt 306, a fourth endless belt 308 (shown in FIG. 13), a first plurality of cleats 310, a second plurality of cleats 312, a first frame 314, and a second frame 316. The continuous forming apparatus 300 may also include a third plurality of cleats 318 and a fourth plurality of cleats 320 (shown in FIG. 13).

FIG. 13 is a top view of the continuous forming apparatus 300 of FIG. 12 with the second endless belt 304 and second plurality of cleats 312 removed to more clearly show the third plurality of cleats 318 and the fourth plurality of cleats 320. The continuous forming apparatus 300 may also include a third frame 322 and a fourth frame 324 for respectively supporting the third plurality of cleats 318 and the fourth plurality of cleats 320 in molding a foaming material.

FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view along line 14-14 of the continuous forming apparatus 300 of FIG. 12. As shown, the first endless belt 302, the second endless belt 304, the third endless belt 306, and the fourth endless belt 308 include flat molding surfaces 326 used to define a mold cavity 328 and mold the foaming material 329. As the endless belts 302, 304, 306, 308 are brought together to form the mold cavity 328, the third endless belt 306 and the fourth endless belt 308 are slightly compressed edgewise by the first endless belt 302 and the second endless belt 304 to create a seal between endless belts 302, 304, 306, 308 and thereby prevent the escape of expanding foaming material 329.

The first plurality of cleats 310 and the second plurality of cleats 312 may include a three dimensional abutment surface 330. The abutment surfaces 330 of the first plurality of cleats 310 contacts and the second plurality of cleats 312 provides support to the first endless belt 302 and the second endless belt 304 in the lateral 138 and transverse 114 directions.

The third plurality of cleats 318 and the fourth plurality of cleats 320 may both include a flat abutment surface 332 and a neck 334 that disposes to engage and support the third endless belt 306 and the fourth endless belt 308 respectively. The neck 334 is narrow so that it may extend between the first endless belt 302 and the second endless belt 304 while providing transverse gaps 336 between the neck and the first endless belt 302 and the second endless belt 304. The transverse gaps 336 help to prevent the third plurality of cleats 318 and the fourth plurality of cleats 320 from binding with the first endless belt 302 and the second endless belt 304.

This configuration may be used to produce large profiled foam product or products that require relatively long processing lengths. An added advantage of this configuration is that the distance between the third endless belt 306, the fourth endless belt 308, the third plurality of cleats 318, the fourth plurality of cleats 320, the third frame 322, and the fourth frame 324 may be adjusted, which allows the same equipment to produce profiles of common depth but varying widths. For example, if synthetic lumber were being produced, the same continuous forming apparatus may be used to produce synthetic lumber in 2×2, 2×4, 2×6, 2×8, 2×10 sizes with relatively minor adjustments to the continuous forming apparatus.

Each plurality of cleats 310, 312, 318, 320 may be moved or driven at the same speed. The third plurality of cleats 318 and fourth plurality of cleats 320 may be unpowered and idle, relying on the first plurality of cleats 310 and the second plurality of cleats 312 and mold friction to drag them along at the needed speed.

FIG. 15 is an elevated side view of another continuous forming apparatus 400 according to the invention. As shown, the continuous forming apparatus 400 is similar to the continuous forming apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 and includes a first endless belt 402, a second endless belt 404, a first plurality of cleats 406, a second plurality of cleats 408, a first frame 410, and a second frame 412. However, the first endless belt 402, the first plurality of cleats 406 and the first frame 410 are longer than the second endless belt 404, the second plurality of cleats 408, and the second frame 412. Additionally, the continuous forming apparatus 400 includes an insert placing means 414.

The difference in length between the first endless belt 402 and the second endless belt 404 permits the insert placing means 414 to place inserts on the first endless belt 402. Before the first endless belt 402 engages the second endless belt 404, the inserts are disposed within a closed mold cavity of the continuous forming apparatus 400. Inserts may include electrical wiring, threaded connectors, reinforcements, fasteners, and other items known in the art that may be molded into a product. The insert placing means 414 may be a person placing inserts by hand or an automated machine.

FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view of the first endless mold belt 402 of forming apparatus 400 of FIG. 15 along line 16-16 that illustrates the first endless belt 402 as including a mold cavity 420. As shown, inserts 422 disposed within a mold cavity of the first endless belt 402. Additionally, slots 424 may be positioned in the wall 426 of the first endless belt 402 in order to support and position the inserts 422 within the mold cavity 420. Mold slot covers 428 may be used to prevent foaming material from contacting portions of the inserts 422 that extend into the slots 424 and are to extend from the finished foam product.

FIG. 17 is a top view of the cross sectional view of FIG. 16 along line 17-17. As shown, inserts 422 are disposed within the mold cavity 420 of the first endless belt 402. The inserts 422 extend into the slots 424 in the wall 426. The slots 424 are filled by the mold slot covers 428. Additionally, the first endless belt 402 includes a mold wall 430 for separating the first endless belt 402 into discrete mold cavities 420 for making discrete products.

FIG. 18 is an exploded view of a cleat 500 of the invention. The cleat 500 may include a mold support portion 502, a base portion 504, and an attachment mechanism 506. The mold support portion 502 includes an abutment surface 508 for engaging and supporting an endless belt.

The base portion 504 is removably attachable to the mold support portion 502 by the attachment mechanism 506. This permits the mold support portion 502 to be quickly and efficiently changed while leaving the base portion 504 attached to an attachment chain. Thus, a mold support portion 502 having a curved abutment surface 508 may be changed to an abutment surface 508 having flat surfaces and corners.

The attachment mechanism 506 may include threaded fasteners, clips, tongue and groove features, or other mechanical fasteners known in the art. Of course, the base portion 504 and the mold support portion 502 may be integrally formed or welded together so that the attachment mechanism 506 is no longer needed.

In conclusion, various configurations of continuous forming apparatus according to the invention have been disclosed. A continuous forming apparatus may be used in the production of a variety of foam products including, but not limited to synthetic lumber, roofing, siding, interior molding & trim, panels, fencing, doors, window blind slats, etc. Furthermore, a continuous forming apparatus may be used to process foam thermoplastics, foam thermoset plastics, foam ceramic or concrete materials, foam ceramic/plastic blends, and composites.

Generally, a continuous forming apparatus may include one or more endless belts and a plurality of cleats for supporting the endless belts and reducing the friction that results from operating the continuous forming apparatus. The endless belts help to define a product's shape and texture. Additionally, the endless belts may incorporate localized features, such as pockets, ridges, knobs, clips, brackets, etc., in the mold belt cavity may be used to locate and hold inserts in position that will be cast or molded into the product. The inserts may be embedded into the product for reinforcement, thread attachment, handles, hard points, wear plates, internal conduit or plumbing, electrical wiring, or any such characteristic that might enhance product performance or eliminate subsequent assembly.

Conventional laminated conveyor belts may be used as endless belts. Endless belts requiring greater thickness may be fabricated by casting a rubber mold face onto an existing belt or fabric-reinforced carcass. Thicker endless belts may also have the mold surface or product-molding cavity machined or otherwise carved into the belt face. Release films or layers at the outer surfaces of the belts may also be incorporated into mold belts to facilitate release from the formed product.

The cleats used in the continuous forming apparatus may be made of nearly any rigid or semi-rigid material such as metal, plastic, rubber, composite, ceramic, or a combination thereof. The cleats may incorporate a base that stays attached to the chain and an easily removable cleat profile to facilitate changes in profile and product size. The cleat profiles may include a radius, angle, or other feature on its abutment surface to allow an endless belt to easily center itself within the cleat. For example, the cleats 124, 126 and endless belts 120, 122 shown in FIG. 2 share angled sides that are wider at the opening to help the endless belts 120, 122 center and nest themselves into the cleats 124, 126. Additionally, the profiles of opposed cleats may vary greatly depending on the shape of the product and how the manufacturer prefers to divide the overall cavity. Furthermore, the cleats may be machined, molded, cast, extruded, or a combination thereof out of metal, plastic, rubber, composite, ceramic, or a combination of materials.

The use of high-strength chains and sprockets allow considerable pulling force to be used in driving the continuous forming apparatus in the direction of production. Furthermore, the rolling elements of the attachment chains contacting the rigid rails of the frames minimize friction within the continuous forming apparatus and allow longer and wider belts to be driven and larger products processed. Additionally, the length of a continuous forming apparatus according to the invention should be long enough, and/or speed of the endless belts and pluralities of cleats slow enough, to assure that the foaming material is sufficiently cooled and/or cured to maintain the desired shape of the foam product when exiting the continuous forming apparatus.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its structures, methods, or other essential characteristics as broadly described herein and claimed hereinafter. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative, and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. 

1. A method of forming molded materials, comprising the steps of: providing a continuous forming apparatus comprising: at least a first endless mold belt comprising an inner surface and a outer surface; a first endless support belt, the support belt comprising a plurality of rigid cleats, wherein the first plurality of cleats comprises an inner portion and an outer portion relative to a mold cavity, wherein each cleat of the first plurality of cleats comprises a three-dimensional abutment surface located on the inner portion of the cleat that is at least in partial contact with the outer surface of the first endless belt, wherein the abutment surface provides transverse and lateral support to the first endless belt; a second endless support belt comprising a plurality of rigid cleats; a first set of pulleys or sprockets, wherein the first endless belt travels around the first set of pulleys or sprockets; a second set of pulleys or sprockets, wherein at least a portion of the first plurality of cleats is at least partially disposed on the second set of pulleys or sprockets, wherein the first plurality of cleats travels around the second set of pulleys or sprockets; a third set of pulleys or sprockets, wherein the second plurality of cleats is at least partially disposed on the third set of pulleys or sprockets, and wherein the second plurality of cleats travels around the third set of pulleys or sprockets; and a drive mechanism configured to impart motion to at least the first endless belt; introducing a material into the mold cavity defined at least in part by the inner surface of the first endless belt; moving the material in a plane substantially parallel to the inner surface of the first endless belt; and curing the material.
 2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the continuous forming apparatus further comprises a first attachment chain connecting the first plurality of cleats together and a second attachment chain connecting the second plurality of cleats together.
 3. A method according to claim 1, wherein the continuous forming apparatus further comprises a second endless belt that cooperates with the first endless belt to mold the material, wherein the second endless belt is supported by the second plurality of cleats.
 4. A method according to claim 3, further comprising a third endless belt and a fourth endless belt that cooperate with the first endless belt and the second endless belt to mold the material.
 5. A method according to claim 1, wherein the continuous forming apparatus further comprises a third plurality of cleats and a fourth plurality of cleats disposed generally orthogonal to the first plurality of cleats and the second plurality of cleats.
 6. A method according to claim 1, wherein the first endless belt of the continuous forming apparatus comprises an insert support feature.
 7. A method according to claim 1, wherein the first endless belt comprises a mold cavity for molding a discrete foam part.
 8. A method according to claim 1, wherein a lateral gap is disposed between each cleat of the first plurality of cleats.
 9. A method according to claim 1, wherein a transverse gap is disposed between the first plurality of cleats and the second plurality of cleats when the first plurality of cleats support the first endless belt for molding the material.
 10. A method according to claim 1, wherein the first endless belt and the first plurality of cleats are supported by and travel around at least one common pulley or sprocket.
 11. A method according to claim 1, wherein the first and second sets of pulleys or sprockets share at least one common pulley or sprocket.
 12. A method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of providing heat to the mold cavity.
 13. A method according to claim 12, wherein the step of providing heat to the mold cavity comprises heating the mold cavity via a heat lamp.
 14. A method of continuously molding a foamed material, comprising the steps of: providing a pressure resistant, continuous mold cavity for containing the foamed material during molding, the mold cavity having an entrance and an exit, the entrance and the exit separated by a distance sufficient to permit molding; containing the material within the mold cavity using at least an upper mold belt and a lower mold belt; driving and supporting the upper mold belt with an upper conveyor belt and the lower mold belt with a lower conveyor belt, each conveyor belt being comprised of a series of cleats attached together by at least one linked chain belt; separating the upper and lower mold belts by a distance to form at least a portion of the mold cavity, the separation distance defining a mold cavity gap; adjusting the mold cavity gap to prevent binding of the conveyor belts and to adjust the pressure resistance of the mold cavity; driving the upper and lower conveyor belts using at least one sprocket coupled to the linked chain belt; supporting each of the upper and lower conveyor belts during at least a portion of the molding process using an upper rigid support surface and a lower rigid support surface, wherein the conveyor belts travel on the rigid support surfaces; and reducing frictional forces between the conveyor belts and the rigid support surfaces by use of rollers coupled to the linked chain belt; wherein the upper and lower mold belts do not separate under the pressure of the foamed material during molding.
 15. A method according to claim 14, wherein at least one of the mold belts comprises a pair of integral shoulders adapted to form at least a portion of the mold cavity.
 16. A method according to claim 14, wherein the rigid support surfaces comprise at least one rail.
 17. A method according the claim 16, further comprising the step of guiding the conveyors along the rigid support surfaces by engaging at least some of the rollers with the at least one rail.
 18. A method according to claim 14, further comprising the steps of mounting the upper rigid support surface on an upper frame element and the lower rigid support surface on a lower frame element, and wherein the step of adjusting the mold cavity gap comprises the step of adjusting at least one of the frame elements.
 19. A method according to claim 14, wherein at least one of the upper and lower conveyor belts comprises a series of cleats comprising a three-dimensional abutment surface adapted to provide transverse and lateral support to at least one of the mold belts during at least a portion of the molding process.
 20. A method for the continuous molding of a product, comprising: providing a continuous mold cavity comprising at least an upper mold belt and a lower mold belt, the mold cavity having an entrance and an exit; containing a material within the mold cavity using at least the mold belts; supporting the upper mold belt with an upper conveyor belt and the lower mold belt with a lower conveyor belt, each conveyor belt being comprised of a series of cleats attached together by an attachment chain; and supporting each of the upper and lower conveyor belts during at least a portion of the molding process using an upper rigid support surface and a lower rigid support surface, wherein the conveyor belts travel on the rigid support surfaces.
 21. A method according to claim 20, wherein at least one of the mold belts comprises a pair of integral shoulders adapted to form at least a portion of the mold cavity.
 22. A method according the claim 20, wherein at least one of the upper and lower conveyor belts comprises a series of cleats comprising a three-dimensional abutment surface adapted to provide transverse and lateral support to at least one of the mold belts during at least a portion of the molding process.
 23. A method according to claim 20, wherein a lateral gap is disposed between each cleat in the series of cleats.
 24. A method according to claim 20, wherein at least one of the upper and lower conveyor belts comprises a series of cleats comprising a flat abutment surface adapted to support at least one of the mold belts during at least a portion of the molding process. 